Politics, Trending

Wike vs Makinde: PDP Rift Deepens as Minister Fires Sharp Words

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 24th, 2026.

Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resurfaced on Monday night as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched a sharp criticism of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of stepping into a political battle beyond his capacity.

Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Wike took a swipe at Makinde’s political approach, drawing a distinction between governance and business dealings. “Politics and contracts are not the same,” he remarked, in comments widely reported by The Punch and The Nation Newspaper, adding that leadership requires more than financial influence.

Despite the public display of internal disagreement, the PDP leadership used the meeting to signal unity ahead of its March 29–30 national convention, adopting a “no victor, no vanquished” position aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening party cohesion.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the session and signed by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwuof the party’s National Caretaker Working Committee, the NEC ratified outcomes of ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, describing them as credible and transparent exercises. Reports from Daily Trust and The Guardian Nigeria noted that the party leadership framed the congresses as evidence of organisational stability despite lingering disputes.

The NEC also confirmed the party’s zoning arrangement for national offices, a move leaders said reflects a commitment to fairness and balance. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, urged members to embrace the decision in the broader interest of party unity, acknowledging that while not all interests may be satisfied, collective progress remains paramount.

Addressing party members, caretaker committee chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed credited recent stabilisation efforts to collective resolve within the party, while specifically commending Wike’s role in maintaining internal structures during turbulent periods. Legislative leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, also called for discipline and unity, positioning the PDP as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Returning to his criticism, Wike warned party members against opportunism, cautioning that those who engage with the party only during election cycles should not expect support afterward. He also dismissed what he described as inconsistent loyalty among some members, insisting that commitment must be demonstrated through action.

Drawing from his political experience, the minister urged aspirants not to rely solely on financial strength or political backing, stressing that grassroots connection remains key to electoral success. “Money has its limits. Once fear sets in, failure begins,” he said, encouraging members to remain confident and resolute.

Political observers say the exchange highlights ongoing fault lines within the PDP, even as leaders push for reconciliation. According to analysts cited by The Guardian, the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements will play a critical role in shaping its competitiveness in future elections.